Methylmalonic vitamin k deficiency. Medical search. Frequent questions

Your health care provider may order this test if there are signs of certain genetic disorders, such as methylmalonic acidemia . (medlineplus.gov)
A higher than normal value may be due to vitamin B12 deficiency or methylmalonic acidemia. (medlineplus.gov)
Methylmalonic acidemia, also called methylmalonic aciduria, is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that disrupts normal amino acid metabolism. (wikipedia.org)
Methylmalonic acidemia stems from several genotypes, all forms of the disorder usually diagnosed in the early neonatal period, presenting progressive encephalopathy, and secondary hyperammonemia. (wikipedia.org)
Stroke Progressive encephalopathy Seizure Kidney failure Vomiting Dehydration Failure to thrive and developmental delays Lethargy Repeated yeast infections Acidosis Hepatomegaly Hypotonia Pancreatitis Respiratory distress Ketonemia Ketonuria Hyperammonemia Hyperglycinemia Hyperglycinuria Hypoglycemia Low red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet concentrations The inherited forms of methylmalonic acidemia cause defects in the metabolic pathway where methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is converted into succinyl-CoA by the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. (wikipedia.org)
Mutations leading to defects in vitamin B12 metabolism or in its transport frequently result in the development of methylmalonic acidemia. (wikipedia.org)
When the amount of B12 is insufficient for the conversion of cofactor methylmalonyl-CoA into succinyl-CoA, the buildup of unused methylmalonyl-CoA eventually leads to methylmalonic acidemia. (wikipedia.org)
Vitamin B12-unresponsive methylmalonic acidemia is an inborn error of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism characterized by recurrent ketoacidotic crises or transient vomiting, dehydration, hypotonia and intellectual deficit, which does not respond to administration of vitamin B12. (orpha.net)
Prevalence of 1/48,000-1/61,000 has been reported for methylmalonic aciduria of all causes in North America, and 1/26,000 in China, but only a subset of this is vitamin B12-unresponsive methylmalonic acidemia. (orpha.net)
Vitamin B12-unresponsive methylmalonic acidemia without homocystinuria is caused by complete ( mut0 ) or partial ( mut- ) deficiency in the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. (orpha.net)
Differential diagnoses include methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria (see this term), caused by defects in cblC , cblD and cblF , which can be differentiated by the presence of megaloblastic anemia, or vitamin B12-responsive methylmalonic acidemia without homocystinuria (see this term), which usually presents slightly later in life (1 month to 1 year). (orpha.net)
Methylmalonic acidemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of amino acid metabolism, involving a defect in the conversion of methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) to succinyl-CoA. (medscape.com)
There is reportedly 1 case of methylmalonic acidemia in 25,000-48,000 population. (medscape.com)
Reduced blood flow or faulty oxidative metabolism may cause strokes in methylmalonic acidemia. (medscape.com)
Several magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies have shown that lactate accumulates in areas of the brain that are damaged in methylmalonic acidemia. (medscape.com)
A knock-out mouse model similar to the mut0 human form of methylmalonic acidemia has been developed. (medscape.com)
Children with methylmalonic acidemia may be healthy at birth and develop symptoms soon after starting protein intake. (medscape.com)
The patient's family history may be positive for methylmalonic acidemia (eg, siblings with similar episodes of recurrent illnesses or with acidopathy). (medscape.com)
3-Hydroxypalmitoleoyl-carnitine (C16:1-OH) has recently been reported to be elevated in acylcarnitine profiles of patients with propionic acidemia (PA) or methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) during expanded newborn screening (NBS). (nih.gov)
Conclusions When screening for methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, differential diagnosis with acquired vitamin B12 deficiency should be done. (gencat.cat)

Also known as vitamin B12, this form of cobalamin is a required cofactor of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. (wikipedia.org)
Deficiency of methylmalonyl CoA mutase, an enzyme responsible for conversion of methylmalonic CoA to succinyl CoA, results in methylmalonic aciduria, which has a poor outcome if it remains untreated. (medscape.com)
Vitamin B12 (B12) is an essential cofactor for two enzymes involved in one-carbon metabolism: methylmalonyl CoA mutase (reduced function of this enzyme results in increased serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels) and methionine synthetase (this enzyme catalyzes the remethylmation of homocysteine to methionine) (IOM 1998). (cdc.gov)
Vitamin B12 functions as a cofactor for two enzymes, methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase [ 1-3 , 5 ]. (nih.gov)
methylmalonic acid using mass spectrometry reflects the adequacy of B12 for methylmalonyl CoA mutase function. (kcl.ac.uk)

As homocysteine may be affected by other factors, such as renal failure, folate deficiency, tobacco, and alcohol abuse, it is less specific than MMA for identifying vitamin B-12 deficiency. (medscape.com)
Because most patients with folate deficiency have normal MMA levels, and the remainder have only mild elevations, vitamin B-12 deficiency can be differentiated from folate deficiency with the combined use of homocysteine and MMA levels. (medscape.com)
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency in later life. (bmj.com)
Folate deficiency in early pregnancy can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida in a growing foetus. (labtestsonline.org.uk)
High homocysteine levels in your blood may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or vitamin B6 deficiency. (b12patch.com)
CONCLUSIONS: Plasma homocysteine may be the best marker for detecting treatable cobalamin/folate deficiency in patients with dementia. (lu.se)

Diagnosis is based on the finding of increased methylmalonic acid in blood and urine. (orpha.net)

Folate belongs to the group of water-soluble B vitamins that occur naturally in food. (cdc.gov)
Overview of Vitamins Vitamins may be Fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) Water soluble (B vitamins and vitamin C) The B vitamins include biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin (B2), thiamin (B1). (msdmanuals.com)
Vitamin B12 is an important water-soluble vitamin with various roles such as hematopoiesis, maintenance of nervous system function, energy production, DNA synthesis, maintenance of intact gastrointestinal mucosa and participation in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. (cobfoundation.org)
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication. (nih.gov)
A water-soluble vitamin , it travels via the bloodstream to help with cell function. (californiamobility.com)
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin, which cannot be synthesised by either animals or plants. (leanquick.org)
Moreover, although B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, your liver could store it, unlike other vitamins, in amounts that could last you a good 3-5 years even after you stop consuming B12-rich foods. (curejoyinc.com)
The B complex is made up of eight water-soluble vitamins that play important and linked roles in cellular activity. (mycarmesi.com)

7. Biochemical indicators of B vitamin status in the US population after folic acid fortification: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
Folate ( folic acid ) should not be used instead of vitamin B12 because folate may alleviate the anemia but allow neurologic deficits to progress. (msdmanuals.com)
Those who take folic acid, should also take Vitamin B12. (biochemistryclub.com)
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 195 subjects were randomly assigned to receive 1000 microg vitamin B-12, 1000 microg vitamin B-12 + 400 microg folic acid, or placebo for 24 wk. (nih.gov)
Neither supplementation with vitamin B-12 alone nor that in combination with folic acid was accompanied by any improvement in other cognitive domains. (nih.gov)
Oral supplementation with vitamin B-12 alone or in combination with folic acid for 24 wk does not improve cognitive function. (nih.gov)
Deficiencies of vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid cause a rise in homocysteine levels. (lasa-vu.nl)
Please note that vitamin B12 and folic acid has also been determined directly after blood sampling for the Zwolle region only, both in 1992/93 and 1995/96, at the Isala Clinic, Zwolle (datafile LASAX860). (lasa-vu.nl)
Also, a LASA paper on the association of vitamin B12 and folic acid on cognition has been published. (lasa-vu.nl)
Effect of low levels of serum vitamin B12 and folic acid on cognitive performance in old age: a population-based study. (lasa-vu.nl)
High levels of folic acid from supplements or fortified food could also mask your B12 deficiency. (curejoyinc.com)
And just like the trees, Vitamin B branches out to its fragments like Thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid, and the cobalamins (vitamin B12). (mycarmesi.com)

6. Measurement of methylmalonic acid, homocysteine and methionine in cobalamin and folate deficiencies and homocysteinuria. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
Vitamin B12 in the from of cyanocobalamin is required in the synthesis of methionine. (wikidoc.org)
Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes a decreased production of methionine and buildup of homocysteine. (wikidoc.org)
Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme for methionine synthase, which produces methionine from homocysteine. (theepochtimes.com)
Such deficiency is really an issue for homocysteine (slows the conversion of methionine to homocysteine which converts to other amino acids via B12, B11, and B6) and methylmalonic acid (increases) levels. (torontobackpainrelief.com)

Megaloblastic anemia and sub-acute combined degeneration of spinal cord are only the extreme manifestations observed at the far end of the spectrum with severe deficiency. (bmj.com)
Untreated deficiencies will lead to megaloblastic anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency results in irreversible central nervous system degeneration. (cdc.gov)
Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia caused due to improper vitamin B12 absorption by the body. (wikidoc.org)
Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, damage to the white matter of the spinal cord and brain, and peripheral neuropathy. (msdmanuals.com)
It reduces d cognitive function, resulting from early Vitamin B12 deficiency, due to megaloblastic anemia and dementia. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)

Introduction Vitamin B12 deficiency is a recognised problem in patients after surgery for OG cancer owing to the implications of surgery on gastric acid and intrinsic factor (IF) production (which are needed for Vitamin B12 metabolism). (bmj.com)
Pernicious anemia (also called Addison's anemia) is a type of red blood cell disorder caused by impaired vitamin B12 metabolism. (wikidoc.org)
(1) Lately, researchers investigated more in depth in what way vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are connected to metabolic diseases and influenced memory function, cognitive impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
All vitamins offer benefits to seniors, including increased energy and enhanced metabolism,but vitamin B12 is a vitamin that many of us are lacking. (californiamobility.com)
As mentioned earlier, vitamin B12 is essential because it plays a significant role in nerve health, metabolism, brain function, and blood health. (californiamobility.com)
Those vitamins are involved in the homocysteine metabolism. (lasa-vu.nl)
Vitamin B1 is required for branched-chain amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. (labwork365.com)
Vitamin C is an antioxidant involved in connective tissue metabolism, drug-metabolizing systems, and mixed-function oxidase systems to list a few. (labwork365.com)
That's where a vitamin B deficiency - and its relation to protein metabolism - comes into play. (satterwhitechiropractic.com)
So, bottomline, protein metabolism relies in part on the presence of adequate vitamin B which relates to the MMA level and thus the ability to metabolize protein properly . (satterwhitechiropractic.com)
Background Alteration of vitamin B12 metabolism can be genetic or acquired, and can result in anemia, failure to thrive, developmental regression and even irreversible neurologic damage. (gencat.cat)

Methylmalonic acid, a protein breakdown product, and homocysteine levels in the blood are better indicators of vitamin B12 activity. (mycarmesi.com)

isolated the anti-pernicious factor from liver extract and named it Vitamin B12. (wikidoc.org)
Methylmalonic acid levels are elevated in the urine of people affected with pernicious anemia and other forms of B12 deficiency. (wikidoc.org)
Severe B12 deficiency in conditions like pernicious anemia (an autoimmune condition where the body destroys intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of B12) used to be fatal until scientists figured out death could be prevented by feeding patients raw liver (which contains high amounts of B12). (thehealthyskeptic.org)
B12 deficiency occurs in four stages, beginning with declining blood levels of the vitamin (stage I), progressing to low cellular concentrations of the vitamin (stage II), an increased blood level of homocysteine and a decreased rate of DNA synthesis (stage III), and finally, pernicious anemia (stage IV). (thehealthyskeptic.org)
People often mistakenly think that a deficiency only occurs in sufferers of pernicious anemia or strict vegetarians. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
People with pernicious anemia cannot absorb the Vitamin B12 content in the food properly, as this condition is characterized by lack of intrinsic factor, which is seen mainly in older people, thus pernicious anemia is also one of the major cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)
Before diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia , your doctor will run a vitamin B12 blood test for vitamin B12 levels in your blood, in addition to measuring your red blood cells and homocysteine levels. (b12patch.com)
Here are ten tests still used today to diagnose vitamin B12 and pernicious anemia. (b12patch.com)
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder in which sufferers are not able to product intrinsic factor , a necessary hormone for absorbing vitamin B12. (b12patch.com)
Before diagnosing pernicious anemia, your doctor has to confirm the existence of an antibody in your system that inhibits intrinsic factor production, thereby causing vitamin B12 deficiency. (b12patch.com)
So people with low stomach acid or low IF levels (as in pernicious anemia) may suffer from a deficiency. (curejoyinc.com)

a test measuring the amount of the hormone gastrin in your blood may help doctors diagnose the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency . (b12patch.com)

Twenty-three maternal deficiency (21 vitamin B12 deficiency, 1 homocystinuria and 1 gastrin deficiency) samples and 82 false positive for elevated propionylcarnitine (C3) were also analyzed. (nih.gov)

Its deficiency may lead to a wide spectrum of hematologic and neuropsychiatric disorders that can often be reversed by early diagnosis and prompt therapy. (medscape.com)
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can be excluded by a normal MMA level in persons with lymphoid disorders who have low unexplained vitamin B-12. (medscape.com)
1. Cobalamin-responsive disorders in the ambulatory care setting: unreliability of cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine testing. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
Subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early vitamin B12 deficiency is sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders. (cdc.gov)
Controls were frequency-matched to cases on age and gender, and absence of histories of (a) paresthesia prior to 9/11/2001, (b) diabetes, (c) treatment with chemotherapeutic agents for cancer, (d) treatment with antiretroviral drugs, (e) vitamin B12 deficiency, and (f) bleeding disorders and treatment with Coumadin or other blood thinners. (cdc.gov)
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is an essential indicator of vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency and inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). (biomed.news)
Today, most Americans suffer from severe vitamin or mineral deficiencies, leading to disorders like rickets and pellagra. (healingoracle.ch)
Screening for vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly population [8] to find and prevent the possible causes of deficiency state can easily prevent the cause of impending cognitive disorders before they become irreversible [9]. (healingoracle.ch)
We aim to assess the usefulness of the second-tier test: methylmalonic acid (MMA), methylcitric acid (MCA) and homocysteine (Hcys) in our newborn screening program and explore the implications on the detection of cobalamin (vitamin B12) related disorders, both genetic and acquired conditions. (gencat.cat)
Results During the period 2015-2018 a total of 258,637 newborns were screened resulting in 130 newborns with acquired vitamin B12 deficiency (incidence 1:1989), 19 with genetic disorders (incidence 1:13,613) and 13 were false positive. (gencat.cat)

This study investigates the prevalence of preoperative Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with OG cancer. (bmj.com)
The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency increases with age. (bmj.com)
However the study population has a higher prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency than the general population (65-74 years age 1 in 6 vs 1 in 20). (bmj.com)
As not much is known about the prevalence and predictors of nutritional deficiencies among vegans in the Czech Republic, we evaluated whether supplement use and duration of adherence to the vegan diet are associated with the risk of cobalamin and iron deficiencies. (mdpi.com)
To measure the prevalence of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency in geriatric outpatients as documented by both low serum cobalamin levels and elevations of serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine and to determine the response to cobalamin treatment. (unboundmedicine.com)
There was a high (14.5%) prevalence of cobalamin deficiency as demonstrated by elevations in serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine in addition to low or low normal serum cobalamin levels in elderly outpatients. (unboundmedicine.com)

Similarly, in an open study of vitamin B12 deficiency related to food-cobalamin malabsorption in 10 patients, oral crystalline cobalamin was prescribed at a dose of 650mcg per day for at least 3 months. (bmj.com)
Because vitamin B-12 is highly conserved through the enterohepatic circulation, cobalamin deficiency from malabsorption develops after 2-5 years and deficiency from dietary inadequacy in vegetarians develops after 10-20 years. (medscape.com)
Low concentrations of Vitamin A are consistent with fat malabsorption. (labwork365.com)
One likely cause of vitamin E deficiency is intestinal malabsorption, resulting from bowel disease, pancreatic disease, or chronic cholestasis. (labwork365.com)

The phenotypic differences caused by a deficiency of the epimerase as opposed to the mutase are so mild that there is debate within the medical community as to whether or not this genetic deficiency can be considered a disorder or clinical syndrome. (wikipedia.org)
The lower end of the normal level is associated with clinical diseases due to vitamin B-12 deficiency. (medscape.com)
Therefore, upon clinical suspicion of vitamin B-12 deficiency in the setting of low normal laboratory values, MMA and homocysteine testing should be performed, since these tests are considered to be more sensitive metabolic markers of vitamin B-12 status. (medscape.com)
Although MMA is a more sensitive and specific marker of vitamin B-12 status, its assay is expensive and requires specialized instrumentation and is therefore unavailable in most clinical laboratories. (medscape.com)
The clinical review of vitamin B12 deficiency by Hunt et al was concise and informative. (bmj.com)
In this study, only 16% of patients with clinical response to cobalamin therapy had low serum levels of the vitamin and values were above 300pg/mL in 54% of cases. (bmj.com)
Low serum vitamin B12 is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in Syrian women" Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine , vol. 46, no. 9, 2008, pp. 1265-1269. (degruyter.com)
However, Solomon 1 previously reported on patients with normal values of MMA, homocysteine and serum B12 who still had clinical symptoms of a B12 deficiency and responded favourably to treatment with vitamin B12. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
With patients having values (of serum B12 and MMA) in the grey area and complaints that could indicate a B12 deficiency, treatment should be started and, in case of clinical improvement, continued. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
In addition, the relatively high body stores of vitamin B12 (about 2000-5000 mcg) explain why the clinical manifestations of B12 deficiency often appear later. (cobfoundation.org)
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 17 studies of autism spectrum disorder) suggests that vitamin B12, particularly subcutaneous injection of mB12 (methylcobalamin), improves associated clinical symptoms and metabolic abnormalities. (cobfoundation.org)
BACKGROUND-AIM: High vitamin B12 concentrations are considered a common finding in clinical practice. (bvsalud.org)
Most of the neonatal cases with acquired vitamin B12 deficiency have been detected by clinical symptoms and only few of them trough NBS programs. (gencat.cat)
While the report covers one important facet in the assessment of nutritional status-biochemical measurements-other aspects, such as anthropometric body measurements, hematologic measurements, clinical signs of nutritional deficiency or excess, and dietary intake, are not covered. (cdc.gov)

3. Biomarkers of cobalamin (vitamin B-12) status in the epidemiologic setting: a critical overview of context, applications, and performance characteristics of cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and holotranscobalamin. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
They also recommend treating patients with normal B12, but elevated urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine and/or holotranscobalamin (other markers of B12 deficiency). (thehealthyskeptic.org)
Vitamin B-12 status was assessed on the basis of methylmalonic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), and holotranscobalamin (holoTC) concentrations before and after 12 and 24 wk of treatment. (nih.gov)
Serum concentrations of vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. (vitamindwiki.com)

The urine MMA level (reference interval: 0-3.6 mmol/mol creatinine) is helpful not only in monitoring patients with methylmalonic aciduria but also in evaluating vitamin B-12 status. (medscape.com)

This diagnosis is often used as an indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency in serum. (wikipedia.org)
As the authors state, using serum cobalamin assay to diagnosis vitamin B12 deficiency has its limitations. (bmj.com)
Testing sometime after starting treatment, for instance after one or two months, may serve as a confirmation of the B12 deficiency diagnosis. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
2. Diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
Both the radioimmunoassay and measurements of plasma concentrations of methylmalonic acid were applied to the diagnosis of cobalt/vitamin B12 deficiency in sheep. (unboundmedicine.com)
Diagnosis is usually made by measuring serum vitamin B12 levels. (msdmanuals.com)
Experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency, like Sally Pacholok R.N. and Jeffery Stewart D.O., suggest treating all patients that are symptomatic and have B12 levels less than 450 pg/mL. (thehealthyskeptic.org)
Experts suggest that if a patient's serum vitamin B12 level is less than 150 pg/ml (111 pmol/L), the patient's serum MMA levels should be checked to confirm a diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency [ 7 , 9 ]. (nih.gov)
It is usually unnecessary for a bone marrow test to be performed for diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. (labtestsonline.org.uk)

Note: Iron supplementation guidelines based on ferritin concentration are provided in the Personalized Vitamin Advisor and General Supplement Guidelines . (theepochtimes.com)
The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, and supplementation is appropriate to ensure year-round vitamin D adequacy and prevent skin damage from excessive sun exposure. (theepochtimes.com)
Elderly people are advised to take Vitamin B12 supplementation. (biochemistryclub.com)
However, evidence from randomized trials of the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on cognitive function is limited and inconclusive. (nih.gov)
however, oral vitamin B-12 supplementation corrected mild vitamin B-12 deficiency. (nih.gov)
The researchers noted that Neurologic and psychiatric abnormalities associated with vitamin B12 deficiency might not change, despite proper supplementation [5]. (healingoracle.ch)
Usually, if test results are positive, then vitamin B12 supplementation begins immediately. (b12patch.com)

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is thought to be related to improper absorption rather than a decreased amount of dietary vitamin B-12, as many persons who consume large amounts of the vitamin still have a deficiency. (medscape.com)
Most people who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. (cdc.gov)
Impaired absorption occurs because of deficiency of intrinsic factor which is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. (wikidoc.org)
Dietary vitamin B12 deficiency usually results from inadequate absorption, but deficiency can develop in vegans who do not take vitamin supplements. (msdmanuals.com)
Intrinsic factor is required for absorption of vitamin B12, which takes place in the terminal ileum. (msdmanuals.com)
Vitamin B12 isn't naturally present in plant foods, and insufficiency is common, especially in those older than age 60, because B12 absorption becomes less efficient as we age. (theepochtimes.com)
If the cause is nutritional deficiency, there will be enhanced absorption. (biochemistryclub.com)

Autonomic dysfunction resulting in long- and short-term heart rate variability has been found to be significantly lower in vitamin-B12 deficient subjects compared to controls (4,5). (bmj.com)
However 1/5 of the deficient subgroup had stable/gained weight suggesting other possible causes of deficiency such as the use of antacid medication. (bmj.com)
Vitamin B12 is often deficient in people over 60. (secondopinionnewsletter.com)
You can get vitamin B12 through food sources like red meat, chicken, eggs, and dairy, but many seniors are deficient due to a poor diet, medications, or the simple effects of aging. (californiamobility.com)
It's linked to cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's, so being chronically deficient in vitamin B12 may elevate your risk for symptoms of these diseases . (californiamobility.com)
Many people who have vitamin B12 deficiency also are deficient in the B vitamin folate . (b12patch.com)

Without this enzyme, the body has no means to neutralize or remove methylmalonic acid and related compounds. (wikipedia.org)
Thus vitamin B12 deficiency causes a buildup of methylmalonic acid, the substrate for the enzyme methylmalonyl coenzyme A mutase. (wikidoc.org)

Vitamin B12 was significantly decreased in patients with recurrent abortion compared to controls (mean concentrations 197 vs. 300 pg/mL, p=0.004). (degruyter.com)
The assay correlated well with a commercially available radioassay and did not falsely detect normal vitamin B12 concentration in plasma samples containing elevated concentrations of methylmalonic acid. (unboundmedicine.com)
The aim of our study was to establish the biological reference interval for MMA in urine, and assess the influence of age, sex, and vitamin B12 status on MMA concentrations. (bvsalud.org)
High concentrations of Vitamin A are seen with renal failure, but this is not associated with toxicity and excessive ingestion. (labwork365.com)
Measurement of serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations provide a good index of circulating vitamin D activity in patients not suffering from renal disease. (labwork365.com)

Having bad bacteria in excess in your stomach is one of the causes of deficiency of Vitamin B12. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)

The Elecsys Vitamin B 12 assay employs a competitive test principle using intrinsic factor specific for vitamin B 12 . (cdc.gov)
During the 3rd incubation, streptavidin-coated microparticles and vitamin B 12 labeled with biotin are added and the still-vacant sites of the ruthenium labeled intrinsic factor become occupied. (cdc.gov)
This forms a ruthenium labeled intrinsic factor-vitamin B 12 biotin complex. (cdc.gov)
Vitamin B12 is primarily absorbed by the small intestine, after being bound to intrinsic factor secreted by parietal cells of gastric mucosa. (wikidoc.org)
After cleavage, intrinsic factor, secreted by parietal cells in the gastric mucosa, binds with vitamin B12. (msdmanuals.com)
In the duodenum, digestive enzymes free the vitamin B12 from haptocorrin, and this freed vitamin B12 combines with intrinsic factor, a transport and delivery binding protein secreted by the stomach's parietal cells. (nih.gov)
To absorb vitamin B12 efficiently, the body needs enough stomach acid and a protein called intrinsic factor (IF). (curejoyinc.com)

an alternative biomarker of vitamin B12 status is to make a neurological assessment, including nerve conduction velocity, vibratory sensation, abnormal gait, peripheral neuropathy and MRI which detects loss of white matter in the spinal cord and brain. (kcl.ac.uk)
In this context, methylmalonic acid (MMA) is reported as the best biomarker. (bvsalud.org)

Hematologic signs, however, are not always present in vitamin B12 deficiency and hematologic signs and neurologic abnormalities can be inversely correlated (Baik, et al. (cdc.gov)
If vitamin B12 deficiency is not detected within time and remains untreated in infants, it can prove very dangerous for the neurologic health of infants. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)

Serum folate, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid and plasma homocysteine were determined. (degruyter.com)
METHOD: The cobalamin/folate status of the patients was evaluated by measuring plasma homocysteine, serum methylmalonic acid, serum cobalamin and blood folate. (lu.se)
RESULTS: Patients with mild-moderate dementia and elevated plasma homocysteine levels improved clinically with increased test scores after vitamin substitution, while severely demented patients and patients with normal plasma homocysteine. (lu.se)

Prospective study screening elderly subjects for cobalamin deficiency using radiodilution cobalamin assays as well as stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methylmalonic acid and homocysteine assays. (unboundmedicine.com)
To diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency. (geisingermedicallabs.com)

MMA values can be false-normal in people with B12 deficiency who take (or recently took) antibiotics, for these destroy the intestinal flora needed to make propionic acid (an organic acid, precursor to MMA). (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
This, however, also only applies if the animals are kept in a way which is appropriate to their species: because vitamin B 12 can only be formed if the intestinal flora of the animals is natural and healthy. (veganforum.com)
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase deficiency leads to dysbiosis and bacterial translocation in the newborn intestine. (siboinfo.com)

The existence of vitamin B-12 deficiency neuropathy was recognized in 1958. (medscape.com)

A low ferritin level in the blood indicates iron deficiency. (theepochtimes.com)
Cells starve without carnitine and children are frequently unable to synthesize carnitine adequately - especially in the case of iron deficiency, which is more common in children than adults. (mindfreedom.org)
The Iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) Blood Test assesses the body's ability to bind and transport iron in the blood, which can help identify an iron deficiency, anemia, or overload. (walkinlab.com)
The Anemia #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel measures biomarkers in a blood sample to help screen for an iron deficiency and other causes of anemia. (walkinlab.com)

Both of these markers are elevated in vitamin B-12 deficiency. (medscape.com)
Most of the studies of oral vitamin B12 therapy used serum levels of vitamin and its metabolites as the markers of response to therapy. (bmj.com)
Recent studies have not investigated functional markers of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as methylmalonic acid. (degruyter.com)
Levels of serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), a vitamin B12-associated metabolite, are the most sensitive markers of vitamin B12 status, and an MMA level greater than 0.271 micromol/L suggests vitamin B12 deficiency [ 6-8 ]. (nih.gov)
Elevated methylmalonic acid & serum homocysteine levels are markers of Vitamin B12 deficiency. (healingoracle.ch)
2004). The combination of high Hcy and low vitamin B12concentrations were significantly associated with low broadband ultrasound attenuation, high markers of bone turnover, and increased fracture risk (Dhonukshe-Rutten et al. (lasa-vu.nl)
Homocysteine and vitamin B12 status relate to bone turnover markers, broadband ultrasound attenuation, and fractures in healthy elderly people. (lasa-vu.nl)
Common diseases and drugs did not predict the change of blood markers in the vitamin group. (vitamindwiki.com)

Several studies [7] have established that low vitamin B12 can cause cognitive problems, leading to dementia & diseases like Alzheimer's. (healingoracle.ch)

Liver vitamin B12 stores can normally sustain physiologic needs for 3 to 5 years if B12 intake stops (eg, in people who become vegans) and for months to 1 year if enterohepatic reabsorption capacity is absent. (msdmanuals.com)
Inadequate vitamin B12 intake is possible in vegans but is otherwise unlikely. (msdmanuals.com)
Intake recommendations for vitamin B12 and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [ 1 ]. (nih.gov)
The table below lists the various biomarkers for measuring vitamin B12 intake and status. (kcl.ac.uk)
Mean percentage increase of serum vitamin B12 (+ 23% corresponds to + 54 pmol/L) in the vitamin B12 toothpaste group suggests that the intervention had provided an additional daily intake of approximately + 7 µg oral B12. (vitamindwiki.com)
Many foods include B vitamins, but food must have at least 20% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) per serving to be considered high in that vitamin. (mycarmesi.com)

The methylmalonic acid blood test measures the amount of methylmalonic acid in the blood. (medlineplus.gov)
The result of this condition is the inability to properly digest specific fats and proteins, which in turn leads to a buildup of a toxic level of methylmalonic acid in the blood. (wikipedia.org)
as a result methylmalonic acid builds up in the blood and tissues. (wikipedia.org)
This spectrum of disease usually presents in the absence of any changes in red blood cell indices and is easily misdiagnosed since serum levels of vitamin are in the "normal" range. (bmj.com)
Methylmalonic acid is an organic acid of which the blood levels are usually raised in case of a B12 deficiency. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
If adenosylcobalamin is lacking, excess D-methylmalonyl-CoA (precursor of L-methylmalonyl-CoA) is converted into methylmalonic acid(MMA) which causes raised blood levels of MMA. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
Vitamin B12 is important for immune function, brain function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. (theepochtimes.com)
when B12 levels are low, methylmalonyl-CoA begins to accumulate and enters the blood as methylmalonic acid (MMA). (theepochtimes.com)
Vitamin and nutrition blood tests can detect gluten, mineral, iron, calcium and other deficiencies, telling you which vitamins you lack and which you are getting enough of through natural sources. (walkinlab.com)
For a cheap and convenient way to take control of your health, order online vitamin deficiency test or a nutrition blood tests or panels from Walk-In Lab. (walkinlab.com)
The Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Blood Test determines Vitamin D deficiency. (walkinlab.com)
This Vitamin B12 Blood Test measures the vitamin B12 levels in the blood to help screen for a deficiency. (walkinlab.com)
The Magnesium Blood Test, RBC is the "gold standard" blood test to evaluate a magnesium deficiency. (walkinlab.com)
This Vitamin B12 and Folate Blood Test Panel measure your vitamin B12 and folate levels to screen for a deficiency. (walkinlab.com)
The Vitamin Deficiency and Wellness Blood Test Panel helps to screen for vitamin deficiency and assess overall health and wellness. (walkinlab.com)
A Vitamin B6 Test detects Vitamin B6 levels in the blood. (walkinlab.com)
Vitamin B12 works together with folate in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. (thehealthyskeptic.org)
These tests measure the concentration of folate and vitamin B12 in the serum (liquid portion of the blood). (labtestsonline.org.uk)
This is one of the major tests for diagnosing the deficiency of VitaminB12.This test tells about the size and number of your blood red blood cells in the blood. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)
If you are facing the deficiency of Vitamin B12 then the shape of your red blood cells gets distorted and they appear to be bigger than the normal red blood cells. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)
A blood test for MMA can detect vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
MMA levels rise in the blood and urine if there is not enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
Schroder TH, Quay TA, Lamers Y. Methylmalonic acid quantified in dried blood spots provides a precise, valid, and stable measure of functional vitamin B-12 status in healthy women . (kcl.ac.uk)
In addition, anaemia is a common problem when one's body does not have enough healthy red blood cells because of vitamin B12 deficiency. (healingoracle.ch)
Determining the level of Vitamin B12 in the blood is important because its deficiency can cause serious health issues. (labwork365.com)
Vitamin K is a group of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins the human body requires for complete synthesis of certain proteins that are prerequisites for blood coagulation and which the body also needs for controlling binding of calcium in bones and other tissues. (labwork365.com)
First, your physician will request a vitamin B12 blood test to determine if your vitamin B12 blood (cobalamin) levels are indeed low. (b12patch.com)
The vitamin B12 blood screening is the most important test for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency, and if you respond well to vitamin B12 supplements, then further testing is not usually required. (b12patch.com)
As vitamin B12 is involved in so many functions in the body, from producing DNA, RNA, and red blood cells to producing energy, a vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms. (curejoyinc.com)
2 Dizziness or lightheadedness is a classic symptom of low blood pressure, and low blood pressure is a common fallout of vitamin B12 deficiency. (curejoyinc.com)
A vitamin B12 deficiency does not just lower your blood pressure but it also reduces the production of healthy RBCs in your blood, thus reducing oxygen supply to other organs. (curejoyinc.com)
Anemia is the most common disease led by a deficiency of Vitamin B. It is characterized by a shortage of healthy red blood cells caused by low levels of vitamin B-12 and folate. (mycarmesi.com)
Vitamin B12 blood levels aren't the greatest way to tell if someone has a deficiency because some people with a shortage have normal B12 blood levels. (mycarmesi.com)

A chronic dietary deficiency of either folate or vitamin B12 causes macrocytic anemia, although strict dietary deficiencies are rare. (cdc.gov)
Hence all macrocytic anemias are generally treated with folate and Vitamin B12. (biochemistryclub.com)
A deficiency in either vitamin B12 or folate can lead to macrocytic anaemia, where red cells are reduced but macrocytic (abnormally large). (labtestsonline.org.uk)

Magera MJ, Helgeson JK, Matern D, Rinaldo P. Methylmalonic acid measured in plasma and urine by stable-isotope dilution and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry . (kcl.ac.uk)
RESULTS: It was established a single reference interval [0.52 (CI90%: 0.50-0.54) - 5.75 (CI90%: 5.57-6.17) mmolMMA/mol creatinine], with 100 % of individuals with MMA above the upper limit of reference presenting a total vitamin B12 concentration ≤ 238 pmol/L. CONCLUSION: The establishment of optimal reference intervals for methylmalonic acid excretion in urine is crucial in individuals with a suspicion of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. (bvsalud.org)

See 21 Hidden Clues to Diagnosing Nutritional Deficiencies , a Critical Images slideshow, to help identify clues to conditions associated with malnutrition. (medscape.com)

Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests as anemia because hematopoetic stem cells in the bone marrow which are rapidly dividing need B12 for division and DNA production. (wikidoc.org)
This is because vitamin B12 deficiency manifests in a widely diverse range of symptoms, from dizziness to OCD, all of which could be caused by another ailment or deficiency. (curejoyinc.com)

The liver stores large amounts of vitamin B12. (msdmanuals.com)
Large amounts of vitamin B12 seem to be nontoxic but are not recommended for regular use (ie, as a general tonic). (msdmanuals.com)
When following a diet of high-nutrient plant foods, it's important to ensure that you're getting optimal amounts of some vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are more available in animal products. (theepochtimes.com)
This explains why B12 deficiency can occur even in people eating large amounts of B12-containing animal products. (thehealthyskeptic.org)
In the last 10 years, two methods have been described to accurately analyse human milk vitamin B12 by modifying existing CPBAs to remove interfering amounts of haptocorrin from the milk sample. (kcl.ac.uk)
Your body contains only small amounts of nutrients like vitamin B12, but without even that small amount, serious problems can arise. (californiamobility.com)

Published methods for vitamin B12 assay are available in the following references. (kcl.ac.uk)

citation needed] Though not always grouped together with the inherited versions, a severe nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 can also result in syndrome with identical symptoms and treatments as the genetic methylmalonic acidemias. (wikipedia.org)

Methylmalonic acidemias are found with an equal frequency across ethnic boundaries. (wikipedia.org)

Methylmalonic acid (MMA), which was determined in subjects living in the Amsterdam region, was measured in 0.5-mL plasma by stable-isotope-dilution capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (lasa-vu.nl)

Functional" vitamin B12 deficiency is a syndrome where a wide variety of symptoms in the presence of "normal" serum levels of the vitamin respond to vitamin B12 therapy. (bmj.com)
Autonomic dysfunction, it seems, is a common manifestation of functional vitamin B12 deficiency and seems to occur early in the course of disease process. (bmj.com)
However, methylmalonic acid did not support that functional vitamin B12 plays a role in this group. (degruyter.com)

How often does B12 deficiency occur? (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
In severe vitamin B12 deficiency, a more serious nerve damage may occur known as subacute combined degeneration of the cord or SACD, where severe weakness and incoordination may occur. (labtestsonline.org.uk)
While a deficiency could occur due to the lack of B12 foods in the diet, as in the case of vegetarians or vegans, more insidiously, it could also occur when your body cannot absorb it effectively. (curejoyinc.com)

Researchers have acknowledged for some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger severe and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. (torontobackpainrelief.com)

Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) is a complex molecule in which a cobalt atom is contained in a corrin ring. (medscape.com)
Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains cobalt at the core of its structure. (wikidoc.org)
Radioactive labelled (Cobalt-60) Vitamin B12, one microgram is given orally. (biochemistryclub.com)
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin or vitamin B12, is the most special member of the B group vitamins (containing the metal ion cobalt), and the structure is large and complex. (cobfoundation.org)
Because vitamin B12 contains the mineral cobalt, compounds with vitamin B12 activity are collectively called "cobalamins" [ 1 ]. (nih.gov)
The cobalt atom accepts different ligands on the upper surface (hydroxyl, deoxyadenosine, methyl, cyanide), with methylcobalamin (Me-Cbl) and deoxyadenosylcobalamin (Ado-Cbl) being the active forms of the vitamin, functioning as coenzymes within the cell. (leanquick.org)

It is unclear why increased serum MMA levels are more common (5%-15%) in elderly persons with low or normal serum vitamin B-12 levels. (medscape.com)
Vitamin B12-fortified toothpaste improves vitamin status in elderly people: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (vitamindwiki.com)
BACKGROUND: Elderly people are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. (vitamindwiki.com)
AIMS: We studied the ability of vitamin B12-enriched toothpaste vs. placebo to increase vitamin B12 status in elderly subjects. (vitamindwiki.com)
CONCLUSIONS: The toothpaste enriched with 100 µg cyanocobalamin/g has increased vitamin B12 status and can thus be used for preventing vitamin B12 depletion in elderly people. (vitamindwiki.com)

New research pointed to testing methylmalonic acid serum levels to define B12 levels more accurately. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise way to determine B12 levels. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
Serum levels of vitamin B12 were determined at the Endocrine Laboratory of the VUMC with a competitive immunoassay luminescence on the automated ACS 180 System (Bayer Diagnostics, Mijdrecht, The Netherlands). (lasa-vu.nl)

Dietary sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish and eggs. (wikidoc.org)

I have seen patients with long-standing drenching night sweats responding dramatically to intramuscular vitamin B12. (bmj.com)
The results confirm low serum vitamin B12 in recurrent abortion patients. (degruyter.com)
When patients show serious symptoms that relate to B12 deficiency, Hvas and Nexo 2 , too, advise treatment regardless the test results. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
However it is postulated that for some patients with OG cancer their deficiency predates surgery. (bmj.com)
Results Active Vitamin B12 ±MMA levels were available for 89 patients. (bmj.com)
16% of patients had a proven Vitamin B12 deficiency. (bmj.com)
27% of patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma (AC) had a deficiency. (bmj.com)
Older age, weight loss and poor nutrition can contribute to Vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients with OG cancer. (bmj.com)
Researchers at the New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY found 23 patients who had been proven to have clear symptoms of B12 deficiency. (secondopinionnewsletter.com)
It is very possible that doctors have completely misdiagnosed up to one-third of the patients out there who are suffering from B12 deficiency. (secondopinionnewsletter.com)
If these recommendations had been followed, three (from the seven) patients with a vitamin B12 deficiency (based on serum values) would have been missed. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
One case report mentioned that up to 50% of patients with symptomatic vitamin B12 deficiency may have "normal" vitamin B12 levels (more than 200 pg/mL). (cobfoundation.org)
Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre helps Toronto chiropractic patients find out just what their B vitamin levels are now so they can boost them as needed to protect the brain and the gut. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
MMA is elevated in 90-98% of patients who have B12 deficiency. (torontobackpainrelief.com)
Thirty-three patients were studied and repeatedly assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and 'A short cognitive performance test for assessing memory and attention' (SKT) during vitamin substitution. (lu.se)

But anemia is the final stage of B12 deficiency. (thehealthyskeptic.org)
Long before anemia sets in, B12 deficiency causes several other problems, including fatigue, lethargy, weakness, memory loss and neurological and psychiatric problems. (thehealthyskeptic.org)
You will get vitamin B12 deficiency anemia if you are ignoring your diet which contains non-vegetarian foods. (naturalayurvedictreatment.com)

In such cases, crystalline vitamin B12 (such as that available in vitamin supplements) can be absorbed, but food-bound vitamin B12 is not liberated and absorbed normally. (msdmanuals.com)
What is not as well known is that children also need supplements of the near-vitamin, carnitine. (mindfreedom.org)
If vitamin B12 is added to fortified foods and dietary supplements, it is already in free form and therefore does not require the separation step. (nih.gov)
But you're only as old as you feel, and one of the best ways to improve the way you feel is to start taking vitamin supplements. (californiamobility.com)
The same is true for vitamin B12: when a subject uses multivitamin or vitamin B-complex tablets, or receives B12 injections, his or her plasma B12 level can be very high (f.i. 1500 pmol/L instead of around 400-500 pmol/L). In some studies, persons having levels above 800 pmol/L were excluded, in order to exclude those using vitamin B supplements. (lasa-vu.nl)

In these cases MMA levels cannot be used to diagnose B12 deficiency though a B12 deficiency might simultaneously exist. (stichtingb12tekort.nl)
In the past, doctors have used the Schilling test to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency. (b12patch.com)
Though vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common across the world, it's often difficult to diagnose this deficiency just through symptoms. (curejoyinc.com)

Diseases18

Chemicals and Drugs28

Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment3

Phenomena and Processes3

Technology, Industry, Agriculture2

Named Groups1

Health Care1

Geographicals1

Acidemia20

Methylmalonyl-CoA mu5

Folate deficiency6

Increased methylmalonic acid1

Water-soluble8

Folic12

Methionine5

Megaloblastic5

Metabolism11

Homocysteine levels in the b1

Pernicious11

Cause of vitamin B12 defici1

Homocystinuria1

Disorders10

Prevalence6

Malabsorption4

Clinical14

Holotranscobalamin4

Aciduria1

Diagnosis9

Supplementation7

Absorption7

Deficient6

Enzyme2

Concentrations5

Causes of deficiency1

Intrinsic7

Biomarker2

Neurologic2

Plasma homocysteine3

Cobalamin deficiency2

Intestinal3

Existence of vitamin B-12 defic1

Iron deficiency4

Markers8

Dementia1

Intake6

Blood33

Macrocytic3

Urine2

Nutritional Deficiencies1

Manifests2

Amounts6

Assay1

Genetic1

Acidemias1

Stable isotope dilution1

Functional vitamin3

Occur3

Severe1

Cobalt6

Elderly5

Serum levels3

Sources of vitamin B12 include1

Patients15

Anemia3

Supplements5

Diagnose3